The spring and summer are great seasons to spend some time outside and in the fresh air. But with all this outdoor time means an uptick in bees, bugs, ticks, and other pests. Trying to find preventive pest maintenance that does not include harsh chemicals? Tick prevention, in many cases, does not necessitate harsh chemicals.
What are ways to prevent ticks?
An easy, cost effective, and efficient way to prevent ticks is to dress in long clothing before spending a lot of time outdoors. Exposed skin allows ticks to more easily attach to the skin. An added precaution includes ticking pant legs into socks so there is no easy opening for ticks to find skin. Ticks are often found in grassy and wooded areas, so avoiding these spots when outdoors is another way to reduce potential conflict with ticks.
How do I check for ticks?
After spending a significant amount of time outside, it is recommended to take a shower. Showering shortly after being outside reduces tick related illnesses and also allows an easy search of the body. Look on the skin for potential insect bites/ live ticks. Check clothing for ticks. It may even be best to use a lint roller on clothes after being outside to capture any stray ticks/ insects. Make sure to check dogs/ pets too as they can carry ticks inside.
What do I do if I find a tick?
After finding a live tick on the skin, use a clean pair of tweezers to try to remove it. If it is successfully removed, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If it is not successfully removed, contact a medical provider. If you begin to notice a skin rash and/ or fever, contact a medical professional.
The information in this post, and more information about ticks and tick prevention, is included on the Center for Disease Control website: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html
Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc. Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area. Learn more from our website or Facebook page.
